100 Years and Counting

Webster University was founded in St Louis, Missouri in 1915 and has built its strong
academic reputation on a long tradition of teaching excellence.The university was
awarded accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in 1925. This accreditation
includes undergraduate and graduate levels at all locations where the University offers
programs.

The first international Webster University campus was established in Geneva in 1978.
The genesis for the university's decision to develop a global network can be traced
back to a conversation between a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and a college
professor who taught part-time at Webster. Ambassador Francis Dale convinced John
Rider, a Mass Communication Professor about the potential for a Midwest institution
to establish a campus in Geneva.

Key Historical Landmarks

1915

Humble Beginnings: Loretto College founded and opened with five female students

1924

New Name Reflects Growth: Loretto College change its name to Webster College

1925

Recognition: Webster College awarded accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

1947

Diversity and Inclusion: First two African American students admitted

1963

Broadening access for co-education: First male students attended Webster full time

1978

Expanding to Europe: First European campus opened in Geneva, Switzerland

1981

European Expansion: Campus established in Vienna, Austria

1983

Another Name Change: Webster College formally renamed Webster University

1983

European Expansion: Campus established in Leiden, The Netherlands

1986

European Expansion: Campus established in London, United Kingdom

1995

Entering the Web: First Webster University website debuted

1996

Expansion to Asia: Campuses established in China, in Shanghai and Chengdu

1999

Asian Expansion: Campus established in Cha-am, Thailand

2013

Expansion to Africa: Campus established in Accra, Ghana

2014

European Expansion: Campus established in Athens, Greece

2015

Centennial Celebration: Webster University officially celebrated 100 years of existence

Expansion Overseas

In 1978, Webster University established its first international campus in Geneva,
Switzerland. Since then, Webster had opened residential campuses in Austria, the
Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Ghana and most recently Greece. At all
of these locations, Webster provides higher education programs based on the American
liberal arts system.